China wants to extend its Nepal rail link to India; say report

Beijing: Having already expanded its influence in Nepal with road and rail network through Tibet, China is now looking to stretch its railway link to Bihar to improve connectivity with India and South Asia, state-run Chinese media reported today.

A cross-border railroad link to the Rasuwagadhi area in Nepal has already been discussed between the two countries. According to a report, China's railroad is expected to reach Nepal border by 2020.

This rail line makes it possible to connect China to India as from Rasuwagadhi to Birgunj, which borders Bihar is only 240 km, the report said. For Bihar, trade with China through the rail link will be easier along this route than through Kolkata, saving time, cost and distance, it said.

"The railroad connection to China not only is important for Nepal and Nepalese people's future development, but also has the capacity to build connectivity with the whole of South Asia. The government of Nepal has the chance to make history," the article said. It also criticised attempts to block major projects in Nepal.

"Challenge is both internal and external stakeholders' sensitivity about mega infrastructure projects. Unfortunately due to oversensitivity, some major projects were aborted before even a brick was laid. So the Nepali government must play a key role in bringing all the stakeholders into a sufficient consensus," it said.